Part Time Transportation Aide (School Setting, Peoria)

The Austin Centers for Exceptional Students is a multifaceted special education program, designed specifically for students with emotional disabilities, autism, intellectual disabilities, specific learning disabilities or other educational challenges. Austin Centers currently serves over a thousand students per year from more than 100 school districts and charter schools on all our campuses. Our Vision: To ignite a brighter tomorrow for every child and youth, regardless of their struggles, by providing unwavering support, world-class education, and a nurturing environment.

Job Summary 

The PT Transportation Aide for the Ready to Roll Program provides direct behavioral, safety, and supervision support to students while riding in an Austin Centers vehicle. This position functions similarly to Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS) but in a transportation setting. The Aide implements support, ensures student safety, assists the driver with monitoring and crisis intervention, and helps maintain a safe, positive environment during the transportation route. This role is critical to ensuring safe transportation, consistent student support, and smooth transitions between school and home. 

Responsibilities 
Student Support & Behavior Management 

• Provide behavioral, emotional, and safety support to special education students during transport. 

• Assist students in developing coping strategies and replacement of behaviors during transportation. 

• Maintain continuous supervision of assigned students, ensure students stay within the given seating arrangements, and keep them within hearing and eyesight at all times. 

• Assist students with personal care needs as required in a respectful and dignified manner, at all times. 

• De-escalate behaviors and follow all trained strategies learned through the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) protocols. 

• Participate in safe physical management of students in crisis only as a last resort, following CPI training standards. 

Transportation & Safety Duties 

• Monitor students and maintain order on the van to ensure the safety of passengers and the driver. 

• Assist with loading and unloading students, ensuring safety equipment (seatbelts, harnesses, etc.) is correctly used. 

• Communicate effectively with the driver, Transportation Coordinator, school staff, and parents when needed. 

• Support the driver during emergency situations, incidents, or unexpected behavioral events. 

• Provide first aid as necessary to address immediate student health needs. 

• Report concerns, incidents, or behavioral observations according to the Transportation Coordinator and Ready to Roll policies and procedures. 

Documentation & Communication 

• Complete documentation as required (behavior notes, incident reports, etc.). 

• Maintain confidentiality and follow all student protection requirements. 

• Participate in team meetings to discuss student progress, behavior patterns, and support strategies. 

Vehicle Cleanliness & Safety 

• Assist with maintaining the interior cleanliness of the vehicle as needed (e.g., wiping seats, removing debris). 

• Perform basic checks to ensure student seating areas are safe and functional. 

• Support the driver in maintaining a safe and orderly environment on the vehicle. 

Other Duties 

• Participate in ongoing training, skills development, and program updates. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned by the Transportation Coordinator or designee, to ensure the effective functioning of the Ready to Roll program. 

    Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Ability to work effectively with students with developmental, behavioral, and emotional needs. 

• High level of patience, compassion, and understanding. 

• Strong communication skills with students, staff, and families. 

• Ability to remain calm under pressure, especially during behavioral incidents. 

• Consistent application of CPI techniques, safety practices, and positive behavior supports. 

• Willingness to learn transportation safety procedures and teamwork with the driver. 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and act professionally at all times. 

Education, Certification & Experience 

• High School Diploma or GED required. 

• CPI certification required or obtainable through employer-provided training. 

• CPR and First Aid training (provided upon hire). 

• No prior experience required; on-the-job training will be provided. 

• Experience working with children preferred. 

• Required annual ongoing training, including: 

• Austin Centers Student and Safety Techniques 

• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention 

• Classroom and transportation management 

• Positive behavioral supports 

• CPR/First Aid 

• Additional training as determined by student needs 

• Must possess a valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card or obtainable through employer-paid application. 

Physical Requirements 

• Ability to safely manage and support various sized students. 

• Must be able to lift at least 70 pounds from a standing position. 

• Ability to walk, sit, stand, talk, kneel, crawl, and navigate stairs as needed. 

• Ability to perform physical tasks required for crisis prevention and intervention. 

Additional Criteria 

• All Transportation Aides are subject to pre-employment and random drug screenings. 

• Successful completion of a background check and ongoing OIG monitoring. 

• Must meet all prequalification screenings as required by Austin Centers. 

Benefits:

• Life insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Professional development assistance

#IND3

Pay Range$18—$18 USD

Joining our team means that you are part of a passionate team of professionals dedicated to meeting the needs of our exceptional students. Austin Centers is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or identity.

Come help us empower bright futures: transforming lives, one student at a time!